Method of enabling a wireless device to make a network connection without using a network operator&#39;s home location register

ABSTRACT

A wireless device can initiate a network connection without using a network operator&#39;s home location register. The wireless device sends data to a server that defines a call request; and the server decides on the appropriate routing over all available networks for that call request. But, unlike a conventional HLR, the server can receive communications from the device using any one of several different protocols, and is not limited to the MAP (mobile application part) protocol. For example, the wireless device can use SMS or HTTP over the internet to communicate with the server. The server then determines the appropriate least cost routing.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority of PCT/GB2007/000782 filed on Mar.7, 2007, which claims priority to GB 0604537, filed Mar. 7, 2006, theentire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates in general terms to a method and apparatus ofinterfacing and connecting a wireless device to a network. It relates inparticular to a method of enabling a wireless device to make a networkconnection without using a network operator's home location register(HLR).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Wireless devices can now handle voice and/or data, allowing simplexand/or duplex voice calls, video calls, text messaging, and internetbrowsing. Some wireless communication devices can now handlevoice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) calls, and others are able to handlemultimedia (voice, video, graphics) calls through the wireless networksand/or through wireless networks connected to the internet or mediaservers.

Different types of calls, initiated by wireless devices, can berestricted for some or most of their outgoing traffic; for example voiceand data calls, as well as internet web browsing, can be restricted tothose calls tariffs made available by the wireless network(s) that issubscribed to. Those wireless networks could be traditional wirelessnetwork operators or so called virtual network operators. Therestrictions can even limit which web servers the user is actuallyallowed to access; in most or all cases the restrictions will limit theusers in their home country to only one wireless network, i.e. the homewireless network to which the user is subscribed to.

Users of wireless devices subscribed to a specific wireless network intheir home country, may however wish to have a choice of call set-uproute(s), and also have the choice of viewing any web server or web-pagethat they desire, and to initiate their outgoing calls at the tariff oftheir choice and through any of the wireless network(s) available intheir home country, as well as when roaming abroad. This would give eachwireless device user the freedom to choose the cheapest option for eachcall set-up route for any outgoing traffic, such as outgoing -SMS,-voice call, -data call.

With existing systems however, this is very difficult because mobilenetwork operators have little economic incentive to provide end-userswith the freedom to choose the cheapest network for each call set-uproute for any outgoing traffic, such as outgoing -SMS, -voice call,-data call. In fact, they have every economic incentive to make thisvery difficult. One mechanism that entrenches the network operators'ability to restrict such freedom is the fact that every network operatorin effect has considerable control over each subscriber because eachsubscriber to a particular has to be registered in the home locationregister (HLR) of that operator in order to receive service. Theownership and control that a network operator has over its HLRconstitutes a major entry barrier to competitors seeking to offer lowercost services.

Before summarising the invention, we will explain some background terms.

A Home Location Register (HLR) is a database that contains mobilesubscriber information for all subscribers to an operator. It is ownedand maintained by that mobile operator. A Visitor Location Register(VLR) is a database owned and maintained by a mobile operator. Itcontains temporary information about mobile subscribers that arecurrently located in a geographic area served by that mobile operator,but whose Home Location Register (HLR) is elsewhere.

HLR subscriber information includes the International Mobile SubscriberIdentity (IMSI), service subscription information, location information(the identity of the currently serving Visitor Location Register (VLR)to enable the routing of mobile-terminated calls), service restrictionsand supplementary services information. The HLR also initiatestransactions with VLRs to complete incoming calls and to updatesubscriber data.

The IMSI is a unique non-dialable number allocated to each mobilesubscriber that identifies the subscriber and his or her operatorsubscription. The IMSI is stored in the Subscriber Identity Module(SIM). The IMSI is made up of three parts (1) the mobile country code(MCC) consisting of three digits, (2) the Mobile Network Code (MNC)consisting of two digits, and (3) the Mobile Subscriber Identity Number(MSIN) with up to 10 digits.

When a mobile subscriber roams away from his home location and into aremote location (typically to a different country), SS7 messages areused to obtain information about the subscriber from the HLR, and tocreate a temporary record for the subscriber in the VLR. There isusually one VLR per operator. The VLR automatically updates the HLR withthe new location information, which it does using an SS7 Location UpdateRequest Message. The Location Update Message is routed to the HLRthrough the SS7 network, based on the global title translation of theIMSI that is stored within the SCCP Called Party Address portion of themessage. The HLR responds with a message that informs the VLR whetherthe subscriber should be provided service in the new location.

Critical to an operator's ability to restrict what end-users can do isthe fact that operators control their own HLR, which can be thought ofas the gateway into the mobile communications system. Even ‘virtualmobile network operators’ (VMNOs) are in effect subservient to themainstream network operators that manage the physical infrastructurebecause the VMNOs still need to access the HLRs of the networkoperators.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In the present invention, a wireless device can initiate a networkconnection without using a network operator's home location register(HLR). The wireless device sends data to a server that defines a callrequest; and the server decides on the appropriate routing over allavailable networks for that call request. But, unlike a conventionalHLR, the server can receive communications from the device using any oneof several different protocols, and is not limited to the MAP (mobileapplication part) protocol. For example, the wireless device can use SMSor HTTP over the internet to communicate with the server.

The server may enable the connection by conferencing the device andrecipient into a single call. The server receives and detects incomingcommunications/calls, by monitoring all the available externalinterfaces to the server.

The server can also acts as a media server, so that the networkconnection is not limited to a voice connection, but includes also thetransfer of any media asset, including data, video, and audio files, webpages and data, video and audio streaming.

The server initiates a local call to the device, using the informationon the server's location data base and services data base to correctlyre-route a calling party to the device. The server maintains a databaseof location updates provided by the device. The server may also act as aVOIP server.

The device can include a module that is responsible for contacting theserver. This module can be implemented as software that is downloadableto the device. The module establishes and controls communication betweenthe device and the server and provides location updates to the server.The module therefore monitors the wireless network name and country codeassociated with the device.

The module sends any change in the wireless network name or country codeto the server. The module also sends real time clock data with eachmessage to the server, defining the time at which the message was sentaccording to the real time clock the module has access to.

In one implementation, the user has to enter any data required by theserver manually into the device. This will apply in particular where thedevice includes no module as described above.

The device may include a single SIM, the module enabling the device tooperate as though it included two or more different IMSIs or SIMs. Themodule can be adapted to switch the single SIM between (a) operating asa local SIM and (b) operating as a roaming SIM. The module may itselfform part of the single SIM.

The module monitors the device for an international call request,incoming call signalling, and caller ID. The module notifies the user ifa connection has been made by the server to the required recipient; themodule also notifies the user if no connection has been made and theattempt has timed-out. The module is adapted to switch the networkoperator that the device uses for a particular connection.

The server stores a record of the duration of each call, a recordidentifying each call and the respective call recipient. The server canthen enable bills to be sent directly to the device user. The serverwill typically decide on the lowest cost routing for the connection.

The available networks includes networks controlled by multiple wirelessnetwork operators and networks controlled by multiple wireline networkoperators. The available networks can also include a network used oraccessed by a mobile virtual network operator, virtual telecoms operatoror a virtual telecoms provider.

The wireless device itself can be a mobile telephone, wireless card,smart phone or wireless module.

In one implementation, there is a proprietary applications module (PAM),which is capable of communicating user and/or media information to anapplication server (AS) with a built-in proprietary applications servercalls manager (PASCM). The PAM is also capable of communicating userand/or media information to a media server (MS). The communicationrequires a wireless device (WD) or wireless handheld device (HS), with abuilt-in PAM, a wireless connection (IF-B) and a wireless network (WN).There can be various types of connection to the application server (AS)and/or a media server (MS):

-   -   a wireless and/or wired interface (IF-C)    -   a wireless and/or wired interface (IF-B) through a wireless        network (WN) and a wireless and/or wired interface (IF-C) and        through a fixed network (FN)    -   a wireless and/or wired interface (IF-B) through a wireless        network (WN) and a wireless and/or wired interface (IF-C) and        through a voice over internet protocol network (VoIP) to an        application server (AS) and/or a media server (MS))

A proprietary applications server calls manager (PASCM) is capable ofcommunicating with any WD or HS that has a built in proprietaryapplications module (PAM). The PASCM enables the communication andexchange of user information with:

-   -   any 3^(rd) party-wireless network (WN) and their end users (even        if they do not have a built-in PAM)    -   and/or any fixed network (FN) and their end users    -   and/or any voice over internet protocol network (VoIP) and their        end users.

This is possible through:

-   -   a wireless and/or wired interface (IF-C) with a wireless network        and    -   a wireless interface (IF-B) with a WD or HS that have (and also        those that don't have) a built in PAM,    -   a wireless and/or wired interface (IF-C) with a fixed network        (FN) end user, or    -   a wireless and/or wired interface (IF-C) with a voice over        internet protocol network (VoIP) end user.

The PAM establishes data communication between the WD or the HS and awireless network coupled to a digital communication system with thePASCM. As a first step, the PAM provides location updates each time theWD or HS changes WN name or WN country or region or state. When the WDor HS establishes a standard call, then the PAM acts as a bufferprocessor between the WD or HS and the IF-B. In the event the call is alocal in-country/region/state call or an international call, then thePAM will, automatically and transparently to the user, either (i) add aprefix to the dialled number and initiate the standard non-altered callor (ii) initiate a modified call with a prefix-number through the IF-Bor (iii) send a call request to the PASCM with a dedicated SMS throughthe IF-B, or (iv) send a call request to the PASCM with an HTTP messageusing the internet or (v) send a call request to the PASCM through someother mechanism.

When the PASCM processes the call request it will, depending on itsinternal database, initiate the call set-up request by initiating thecall from the AS to the WD or HS that initiated such call request andthe 3^(rd) party that the WD or HS wishes to reach; it then conferencesboth into one phone call connection.

The PASCM records the status and actions of each WD and/or HS (withbuilt in PAM): namely, their latest locations at all times, as well asthe time of each WD and/or HS call and the duration of each call and thecorresponding called 3^(rd) party identification by the PASCM on behalfof each WD or HS (with built-in PAM). This is done, inter alia, forbilling processing.

Depending on a case by case basis, as established in the PASCM internaldata base, the billing will be done:

-   -   directly by the PASCM to the WD or HS user who requested such        call set-up, or    -   by the PASCM to a specific WN who then bills the specific WD or        HS user who requested such calls set-up, or    -   by the PASCM to a specific fixed network who then bills the        specific WD or HS user who requested such calls set-up, or    -   by the PASCM to a specific voice over internet protocol network        VoIP, internet service provider ISP, who then bills the specific        WD or HS user who requested such calls set-up.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a communications system in accordance withthe present invention. It includes wireless devices and application andmedia servers interconnected and communicating through a wirelessinterface and a wired interface. It also shows the overall basicfunctionality, with respect to the proprietary applications module (PAMand proprietary applications server calls manager (PASCM).

FIGS. 2 to 10 are implementations of the present invention with respectto the proprietary applications module (PAM).

FIGS. 11 to 16 are implementations of the present invention with respectto the sub-modules of the proprietary applications module (PAM).

FIG. 17 is an example implementation of the present invention withrespect to the proprietary applications server calls manager (PASCM).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Specifically, FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a multi media communicationssystem, which can be used to implement an embodiment of the presentinvention. For this exemplary embodiment, there is shown

-   -   a wireless handheld device (HS),    -   a wireless device (WD), both with a built-in PAM,    -   a wireless interface IF-B which provides connection for voice        and data communication between the WD and/or HS and a wireless        network,    -   a fixed network which provides connection for voice and data        communication between the wireless network and an application        server (AS) and a media server (MS)    -   a wireless and/or wired interface C, which provides connection        for voice and data communication between the wireless network or        fixed network and the application server (AS) and the media        server (MS),

Multiple configurations of the previous elements are possible. Forexample, there could be multiple wireless devices (WD n), multiplewireless handheld devices (HS n), multiple wireless interfaces (IF-Bn),multiple wireless networks (wireless network n), multiple fixed networks(fixed network n), multiple wireless and/or wired interfaces (Cn),multiple application servers (AS n) and multiple media servers (MS n).

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a wireless handheld device (HS), awireless device (WD), both with a built-in PAM, and an applicationserver (AS) with a built-in PASCM. The wireless device WD and handhelddevice HS have a downloaded or an embedded PAM. WD and HS are configuredin accordance with a combination of technologies used in the field ofhandheld wireless devices and personal digital handheld wirelessdevices, such as (but not limited to) wireless phones, cellular phones,mobile phones, hand held radio frequency digital communication devices,personal digital assistants and so called smart-phones, which cancommunicate with the wireless networks as described.

The wireless network is configured in accordance with a combination oftechnologies used in the field of wireless digital communicationsnetworks; such as GSM-GPRS-WAP based wireless networks,GSM-GPRS-WAP-EDGE based wireless networks, UMTS based wireless networks,PCS based wireless networks, DCS based wireless networks, TDMA basedwireless networks, WiFi or WiMax based wireless networks. The fixednetwork is configured in accordance with a combination of technologiesused in the field of fixed wired line digital communications networks;such as but not limited to ATM based switching networks, ADSL or DSLbased switching exchanges, fiber optics based switching exchanges,electronic data communication Internet network.

The application server (AS) is where the PASCM resides and all the datafrom any WD and/or HS (with a built-in PAM) is received, decoded, storedand processed. This data relates to individual users' location updates,calls set-up and any other such features, such as (but not limited to)call divert and billing.

There is also shown a media server (MS). The MS is configured inaccordance with a combination of technologies used in the field ofdigital multi-media servers; such as (but not limited to) privatestorage devices that have their own unique address by means of a simplePC termination; private shared mass storage devices with their ownallocated space and their own internet host address, using mass dataprocessing computing devices; publicly shared mass storage devices whicheach have their own allocated space and their own internet host address,using mass data processing computing devices.

The MS specific multimedia data, in its most common application, isaccessed by means of a unique address, such as (but not limited to) aninternet web-site address accessed through the internet. However, adedicated MS, such as (but not limited to) a dedicated music server or adedicated video/movie server or a dedicated multimedia server, can alsobe configured to reside at private sites such as private homes, atprivate or public company locations, private or public organizationslocations, or even reside at the fixed network or wireless networklocations such as (but not limited to) residing in the WAP (wirelessapplication protocol) base internet network.

The wireless and/or wired interface C is configured in accordance with acombination of technologies used in the field of fixed wired linedigital communications networks; such as (but not limited to) point topoint wireless terrestrial connections, point to multipoint wirelessconnections, point to satellite and satellite to terrestrialconnections, ATM based PSTN telephone line, coax or fiber opticsconnections, ADSL or DSL based PSTN telephone line, coax or fiber opticsconnections, Fiber optics based PSTN telephone line, coax or fiberoptics connections.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the MS of FIG. 1 couldalso act as an application server, by simply embedding a single ormultiple PASCM within such single or multiple MS. Any VoIP server couldact as an application server again by simply embedding a single ormultiple PASCM within such single or multiple VoIP server.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention and its advantages arebest understood by referring to FIG. 1. Essentially, in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention, we have a method of andapparatus for interfacing and connecting a handheld device or a wirelessdevice to set up call in accordance to a user's own choice of routing(and/or accessing media data) with any 3^(rd) party end user. There hasto be a server (PASCM) to enable the interfacing; the connection canthen be over wireless networks, fixed networks or the internet. The WDand/or HS (with a built-in PAM) establishes data communication over awireless network that is coupled to a digital communication system thatfeeds the PASCM. The PAM provides location updates each time the WD orHS changes wireless network name or wireless network country or regionor state.

When the WD or HS establishes a standard call, then the PAM acts as abuffer processor between the WD and/or HS and the IF-B, and in the eventthe call is a local in country/region/state call, or an internationalcall, then the PAM will, automatically and transparently to the user:

-   -   add a prefix to the dialled number and initiate the standard non        altered call or a modified call with a prefix-number through the        IF-B,    -   or send a call request to the PASCM through a dedicated SMS,    -   or send an HTTP call request to the PASCM over the internet,    -   or use any other means of communicating with the PASCM, through        the IF-B.

When the server AS (in which a PASCM is embedded) processes the callrequest, it will, depending on its internal database, enable the callset-up request by initiating the call from the server to the originatingWD and/or HS (with a built-in PAM) and also to the 3^(rd) party that theWD and/or HS, requested to communicate with. It will then conferenceboth into one phone call connection.

The PASCM keeps records for each WD and/or HS (with built in PAM),including the latest locations, as well as any user features activated,such as call divert, as well as the actual time of each WD and/or HScall established by the PASCM, the duration of each call andcorresponding called 3^(rd) party identification. This is for billprocessing. Depending on a case by case basis as established in thePASCM internal data base, the billing will be done:

-   -   directly by the PASCM, or the server the PASCM is embedded into,        to the WD or HS user who requested such calls set-up,    -   or by the PASCM to a specific wireless network, who then bills        the specific WD or HS user who requested such call set-up to the        PASCM,    -   or by the PASCM to a specific fixed network who then bills the        specific WD or HS user who requested such call set-up,    -   or by the PASCM to a specific voice over internet protocol        network who then bills the specific WD or HS user who requested        such calls set-up.

The WD and/or HS establishes data communication

-   -   to a wireless network coupled to a digital communication system        with the MS, using the wireless connection (IF-B),    -   or through the wireless and/or wireless interface IF-C to the        MS,    -   or alternatively through the wired network to the MS.

Subsequently the WD and/or HS communicates the user information to theMS allowing full duplex user authentication of the WD and/or HS and thusexchanging, uploading and/or downloading user data and media data, inparticular dedicated web-pages, audio and video media downloads from theMS to the WD and/or HS.

FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 5 show two different preferred integration embodimentsof the proprietary application module (PAM), which in the context of theforegoing are self explanatory, basically showing the integration of aPAM within a wireless device and within a handheld device respectively.

FIGS. 6 to 10 show five different preferred embodiments of theproprietary application module (PAM) of the invention, which in thecontext of the foregoing are self explanatory, basically showing someexample of the different combinations of the composition of a PAM bycombining its sub-modules respectively.

FIGS. 11 to 16 show the preferred implementation of the proprietaryapplication module (PAM), which in the context of the foregoing are selfexplanatory, basically showing in each FIG. 11 to 16 an exampleflow-chart implementation of the following PAM sub-modules:

-   proprietary sub-module location update (LU),-   proprietary sub-module international call set-up option1 (JCSUO1),-   proprietary sub-module international call set-up option2 (JCSUO2),-   proprietary sub-module local call set-up option1 (LCSUO1),-   proprietary sub-module local call set-up option2 (LCSUO2), and    -   proprietary sub-module media server connection set-up (MSCSU)

FIG. 17 shows the preferred embodiment of the proprietary applicationserver module (PASCM), which in the context of the foregoing are selfexplanatory, basically showing an example of its flow-chartimplementation.

It should be clear from the preceding disclosures that the presentinvention provides a method and apparatus of interfacing and connectinga wireless device(s) and specific application server(s) for locationupdate(s), in- and out-going call(s) routing & calls set-up, as well asaccessing media data from specific servers linked to or embedded in thewireless network(s), fixed network(s) or the internet. Implementationsof the invention provide an advantage allowing any wireless device witha built-in PAM (and also any media server) to be interconnected throughthe existing wireless networks. Moreover, this invention provides anadvantage allowing any wireless device with a built-in PAM to choose theoptimal call routing without needing to use a network operator's HLR.

This ability to interconnect and communicate between a wireless device(WD) and/or a wireless handheld device (HS), and an application server(AS) and/or any media server (MS) is particularly advantageous formultimedia communications, as well as data and voice calls: the end userpreviously had limited freedom of choice in terms of the wirelessnetwork used; this choice is now fully in the hand of the end user, solong as that user can access the PASCM server by some mechanism (e.g.internet, SMS etc.)

There are implementations of this invention (and variations andimprovements), where the PAM(s) would reside in the wireless end-users'wireless handheld device(s) (HS) and/or wireless device(s) (WD).Likewise, the PASCM(s) could reside in server(s) connected to theinternet. These approaches could in effect allow one to set-up a“internet mobile virtual network operator” (IMVNO), a “virtual telecomsoperator” (VTO) or a “virtual telecoms provider” (VTP), thus introducingmore competition in the wireless and/or cellular market place,benefiting end-users, without the need for any wireless device and/orwireless handheld user to change its current subscription with itswireless network operator. The benefits of this invention can be enjoyedby simply downloading or embedding a PAM within a wireless device (WD)and/or wireless handheld device (HS).

SUMMARY OF FEATURES IN AN IMPLEMENTATION

The following are optional features of a preferred implementation. Theproprietary applications module (PAM) and a proprietary applicationsserver calls manager (PASCM) is capable of communicating through awireless connection (IF-B) and a wireless and/or wired connection(IF-C). The proprietary applications module (PAM) is capable ofcommunicating Wireless devices' (WD) and/or wireless Handheld devices'(HS) user and/or media information to the proprietary applicationsserver manager (PASCM). The proprietary applications server callsmanager (PASCM) is capable of communicating with any WD and/or HS thathas a built in proprietary applications module (PAM) and communicatingand exchanging user information with any 3^(rd) party-wireless network(WN) and their end users, even if they do not have a build-in PAM and/orany fixed network (FN) and their end users and/or any voice overinternet protocol network/server (VoIP) and their end users.

WD, WDn, HS and HSn are wireless devices and wireless handheld devicesin any available current and future wireless technologies respectively,with a built-in PAM. IF-B and IF-Bn are wireless interfaces in anyavailable current and future wireless technologies respectively.

WN and WNn are wireless networks in any available current and futurewireless technologies respectively.

IF-C and IF-Cn are wireless and/or wired interfaces in any availablecurrent and future wireless and/or wired technologies respectively.

FN and FNn are fixed networks in any available current and future fixedline technologies respectively.

VoIP and VoIPn are wireless and/or wired voice over internet protocolnetworks or voice over internet protocol servers in any availablecurrent and future wireless and/or fixed line technologies respectively.

AS and ASn are dedicated applications servers, in any available currentand future servers technologies respectively, with a built-in PASCM.

MS and MSn are media servers in any available current and future serverstechnologies respectively.

Any individual or multiple PASCM may be built-in as a single (ormultiple) module into any one or more of WN, WNn, FN, FNn, MS, MSn, VoIPand VoIPn or any such other processing device(s) and/or server(s)connected to any communications system(s), such as (but not limited to)so called “servers”, “internet servers”, “computers”, “PCs”, “mediaservers”, “wireless switching exchanges”, “fixed switching exchanges”,“wireless network processors”, “fixed network processor”, “ATM network”,“ADSL network”, “DSL network”, “internet servers”, “intranet servers”.

Any individual or multiple PAM may be built-in into any WD, HS or anysuch other wireless device, such as (but not limited to) so called“handsets”, “handy”, “mobile phones”, “cellular phones”, “wirelessphones”, “smart phones”, “wireless devices”, “wireless PC cards”,“wireless modules”

Any individual or multiple PAM may consist of any or all of thefollowing proprietary sub-modules (or any single or multiple combinationof these sub-modules) or indeed an equivalent of each such sub-module(s)performing a similar function:

-   proprietary sub-module location update (LU)-   proprietary sub-module international call set-up option1 (ICSUO1)-   proprietary sub-module international call set-up option2 (ICSUO2)-   proprietary sub-module local call set-up option1 (LCSUO1)-   proprietary sub-module local call set-up option2 (LCSUO2)-   proprietary sub-module media server connection set-up (MSCSU)

Any individual or multiple wireless device (WD) and/or wireless handhelddevice (HS), with a built-in PAM, is capable of communicating with aPASCM built into a dedicated applications server (AS) through:

-   -   a wireless connection with a wireless or mobile network directly        to an AS, or    -   through a wireless connection with a wireless or mobile network        and then through a second wireless and/or wired connection        through a fixed network or switching network to a AS, or    -   through a first wireless connection with a wireless or mobile        network and then through a second wireless and/or wired        connection through a voice over internet protocol network or        server to a AS.

A wireless device (WD) and/or wireless handheld device (HS) (with abuilt-in PAM), are capable of communicating their geographical locationto an PASCM; the proprietary sub-module location update (LU) is asub-part of the PAM and the LU enables the WD and/or HS through itsbuilt in PAM to inform the PASCM of the geographical location, meaningwireless network name & country code, of the WD and/or HS respectively.

The LU monitors the WD and/or HS internal network it is authorised forand actually synchronised to and extracts the corresponding wirelessnetwork name & country code. The country code can be also a state orregion code, and the LU stores it in a temporary LU register memory oralternatively, if access is available from the LU to the WD and/or HSstatic read/write memory (such as i.e. EEPROM) then such locationinformation will be stored by the LU in a free WD and/or HS memoryaddress location. The LU then sends this stored location information bymeans of a dedicated SMS containing such location information to apredefined destination (i.e. phone number). The SMS will then betransmitted by the WD and/or HS standard SMS protocol through thewireless interface (IF-B) to its final destination—i.e. the PASCM. TheLU will continue to monitor any change of the wireless network name &country code to which the WD and/or HS is authorised and synchronisedto, in comparison to the latest stored location information of such WDand/or HS. Only in the event of any change of either the network namecode or the country name code, will the LU will repeat the previouslymentioned procedure of sending a new SMS to the PASCM with the newlocation information and overwriting the previously memorised/storedlocation information with the latest new location information into theLU register memory or, if available, within the static read/write memoryof the WD and/or HS. Using a static memory that keeps its memory contenteven after switch off and on, is the preferred embodiment, if access isavailable to the LU, as this will reduce the number of SMS sent to aminimum.

The PAM is capable of transmitting, together with the information itsends to the PASCM, as described above, the real time clock informationof when each data was sent by the PAM to the PASCM. The PASCM is capableof receiving, storing and processing, together with the information itreceives from the PAM, the real time information (derived from the realtime clock) at which the data was originated by the PAM. The PASCM alsohas a real time clock built-in for its internal data processing.

The wireless device (WD) and/or wireless handheld device (HS), throughits built-in PAM, is capable of communicating with a PASCM; theproprietary sub-module international call set-up option1 (ICSUO1) is asub-part of the PAM and informs the PASCM of an international callrequest by the WD and/or HS to a specific identified 3^(rd) party.

The ICSUO1 monitors the WD and/or HS internal key-pad, and (ifavailable) any hotkey dedicated to an international call request; italso monitors for incoming call signalling, and caller ID if available.The key-pad serial numbers are buffered and stored in a ICSUO1 phonenumber register memory at the time the send key is hit by the WD and/orHS user. Then, the ICSUO1 will take priority over the WD and/HS callengine whilst it is processing the data and act as a buffer between thesend key action inside the WD and/or HS and the internal outgoing call-and outgoing SMS- engine of the WD and/or HS (or other engine used tocommunicate with the PACSM). Following the previous action, the ICSUO1will check if the stored phone number starts with either a “+” or “00”and if not it will stop its routines and allow the PAM to run its othersub-modules. But if ‘yes’, then the ICSUO1 will send an SMS (or othersignal or message, e.g. over the internet) to the PASCM with the storedphone number previously mentioned. At the same time, it will start orre-initiate an internal ICSUO1 timer which initiates the monitoring ofthe incoming call signalling of the WD and/or HS by the ICSUO1, and ifaccess to the WD and/or HS display is available to the ICSUO1, then theICSUO1 will display a user feedback message, such as “please hold”whilst the timer is running and “Retry later” if the timer expires. Ifthe timer expires, the ICSUO1 stops and resets all its routines, thetimer and the buffered phone number. However if the timer is not expiredand an incoming call is received from a pre-defined identifier, then theICSUO1 will accept the incoming call and optionally notify therequesting WD and/or HS that his call request to his specified 3^(rd)party number has been established by, for example, a loudspeakerfeedback and/or a display feedback if available; it will also reset thetimer. Alternatively, if the WD and/or HS does not support caller ID,then in the previous case when the timer has not expired and an incomingcall is received, then the ICSUO1 will accept the incoming call anywayand reset the timer. Also (optionally) if access is available to the WDand/or HS call waiting function by the ICSUO1, then the ICSUO1 willactivate the call waiting function when the it starts its internalICSUO1 timer.

The wireless device (WD) and/or wireless handheld device (HS), (throughits build-in PAM), is capable of re-routing an international call set-uprequest(s); a proprietary sub-module international call set-up option2(ICSUO2) is a sub-part of the PAM and enables re-routing of aninternational call request by the WD and/or HS to a specific identified3^(rd) party. ICSUO2 monitors the WD and/or HS internal key-pad, and anydedicated hotkey for an international call set-up request. The key-padserial numbering for that request is buffered and stored in a ICSUO2phone number register memory at the time the send key is hit by the WDand/or HS user. The ICSU2 will take priority over the WD and/HS callengine whilst it is processing the data and act as a buffer between thesend key action (or similar action with the same function inside the WDand/or HS) and the internal outgoing call engine of the WD and/or HS.Following the previous action, the ICSUO2 checks if the stored phonenumber starts with either a “+” or “00” and if ‘yes’, it will stop itsroutines and allow the PAM to run its other sub-modules. However if not,then the ICSUO2 will add a pre-fix number to the stored phone numberregister and initiate an outgoing call on behalf of the requesting WDand/or HS using the new pre-fix phone number to call the requested3^(rd) party. Optionally the ICSUO2 will, instead of adding a prefixnumber to the requested dialled number, replace it with a destinationidentifier of the requested 3^(rd) party that the user wishes toestablish a communication with, for those cases that the WD and/or HSsupports alternative ways of calling 3^(rd) parties, such as (but notlimited to) where GPRS calls are supported, EDGE calls are supported,VoIP calls are supported.

The proprietary sub-module international call set-up option1 (ICSUO1)and the proprietary sub-module international call set-up option2(ICSUO2) are a sub-part of the PAM and inform the PASCM of aninternational call request by the WD and/or HS to a specific, identified3^(rd) party and/or re-routing of an international call set-up request.Both the ICSUO1 and ICSUO2 monitor the WD and/or HS internal actualsynchronized wireless network- and country-name/code; only one of thesesub-modules will be active and the other deactivated, depending on theservices available in a look-up table for each wireless network- andcountry-name/code.

The proprietary sub-module local call set-up option1 (LCSUO1) is asub-part of the PAM and the LCSUO1 and enables re-routing of anational/in-country/regional call request by the WD and/or HS to aspecific identified 3^(rd) party. The LCSUO1 monitors the WD and/or HSinternal key-pad, and any dedicated hotkey for that re-routing callrequest. The key-pad serial numbering is buffered and stored in a ICSUO2phone number register memory at the time the send key is hit by the WDand/or HS user and then the ICSU2 will take priority over the WD and/HScall engine whilst it is processing the data and act as a buffer betweenthe send key action (or similar action with the same function inside theWD and/or HS) and the internal outgoing call engine of the WD and/or HS.Following the previous action, the LCSUO1 checks if the stored phonenumber starts with either a “+” or “00” and if ‘yes’ it will stop itsroutines and allow the PAM to run its other sub-modules. However if not,then the LCSUO1 will add a pre-fix number to the stored phone numberregister and initiate an outgoing call on behalf of the requesting WDand/or HS using the new pre-fix phone number to call the requested3^(rd) party. Optionally, the LCSUO2 will, instead of adding a prefixnumber to the requested dialled number, replace it with a destinationidentifier of the requested 3^(rd) party that the user wishes toestablish a communication with, where the WD and/or HS supportsalternative ways of calling 3^(rd) parties, such as (but not limited to)where GPRS calls are supported, EDGE calls are supported, VoIP calls aresupported.

The proprietary sub-module local call set-up option2 (LCSUO2) is asub-part of the PAM and informs the PASCM of anational/in-country/regional call request by the WD and/or HS to aspecific identified 3^(rd) party. The LCSUO2 monitors the WD and/or HSinternal key-pad, and any dedicated hotkey, for this call request; italso monitors incoming call signalling, and caller ID if available. Thekey-pad serial numbering is buffered and stored in a LCSUO2 phone numberregister memory at the time the send key is hit by the WD and/or HS userand then the LCSUO2 will take priority over the WD and/HS call enginewhilst it is processing the data and act as a buffer between the sendkey action inside the WD and/or HS and the internal outgoing call- andoutgoing SMS-engine (or other communications engine—essentially anythingthat enables communication with the PACSM) of the WD and/or HS.Following the previous action, the LCSUO2 will check if the stored phonenumber starts with either a “+” or “00” and if ‘yes’ stop its routinesand allow the PAM to run its other sub-modules. However if not, then theLCSUO2 will send a SMS (or other data packet etc, depending on thenature of the communications protocol and type) to the PASCM with thestored phone number previously mentioned. At the same time, it willstart or re-initiate an internal LCSUO2 timer, which initiates themonitoring of the incoming calls signalling of the WD and/or HS by theLCSUO2, and if an access to the WD and/or HS display is available to theLCSUO2 then the LCSUO2 will display a user feedback message, such as inexample “please hold” whilst timer is running and “Retry later” if thetimer expires. If the timer expires, the LCSUO2 stops and resets all itsroutines, timer and buffered phone number. However, if the timer is notexpired and an incoming call is received from a pre-defined identifier,then the LCSUO2 will accept the incoming call and optionally notify therequesting WD and/or HS that his call request to his specified 3^(rd)party number has been established by (for example) a loudspeakerfeedback and/or a display feedback if available. It will also reset thetimer. Alternatively, only if the WD and/or HS does not support callerID, then in the previous case when the timer has not expired and anincoming call is received, then the LCSUO2 will accept the incoming callanyway and reset the timer. Also optionally if access is available tothe WD and/or HS call waiting function by the LCSUO2, then the LCSUO2will activate the call waiting function when it starts its internalLCSUO2 timer.

The proprietary sub-module local call set-up option1 (LCSUO1) and theproprietary sub-module local call set-up option2 (LCSUO2) are a sub-partof the PAM and the LCSUO1 and LCSUO2 allow the WD and/or HS to eitherre-route a national/in-country/regional calls request, or inform thePASCM of a national/in-country/regional calls request by the WD and/orHS to a specific identified 3^(rd) party. Both the LCSUO1 and LCSUO2monitor the WD and/or HS internal actual synchronized wireless network-and country-name/code; only one of the sub-modules will be active andthe other deactivated, depending on the services available in a look-uptable for each wireless network- and country-name/code.

Where the wireless device (WD) and/or wireless handheld device (HS), iscapable of communicating with a MS, the proprietary media serverconnection set-up sub-module (MSCSU) is a sub-part of the PAM and theMSCSU allows the WD and/or HS to communicate or re-route the web browseraddresses requested by the WD and/or HS to a specific identified webinternet server address. The MSCSU monitors the WD and/or HS internalkey-pad, web browser- and its addresses-engine and any dedicated hotkeyfor this function. The web address requested by the WD and/or HS isbuffered and stored by the MSCSU in a MSCSU “temporary register memory”at the time the send key or dedicated web key is hit by the WD and/or HSuser. The MSCSU will take priority over the WD and/HS web browser enginewhilst it is processing the data and act as a buffer between the send-or dedicated web-key action inside the WD and/or HS and the internal webbrowser engine of the WD and/or HS. Following the previous action, theMSCSU will check if its internal web internet server addresses data basehas a re-route web address for the wireless network name- andcountry-code to which the WD and/or HS is synchronised to, and if not,the MSCSU will use the temporary web address register memory to set upthe web connection on behalf of the WD and/or HS, and if ‘yes’ the MSCSUwill use the re-route web address from the internal MSCSU “web internetserver addresses data base” corresponding to the wireless network name-and country-code to which the WD and/or HS is synchronised to, to set upthe web connection on behalf of the WD and/or HS. Once the webconnection has been set-up, the MSCSU resets its internal “temporaryregister memory”.

The proprietary applications server calls manager (PASCM) is capable ofcommunicating and exchanging user information with any WD or HS (thathas a built-in proprietary applications module (PAM)) and communicatingand exchanging user information with any 3^(rd) party-wireless network(WN). It is capable of communicating with their wireless end users, evenif they do not have a built-in PAM and/or communicating and exchanginguser information with any 3^(rd) party fixed network (FN) andcommunicating with their end users. It is capable of communicating andexchanging user information with any voice over internet protocolnetwork/server (VoIP) and communicating with their end users. The PASCMmonitors all incoming messages (e.g. SMS, HTTP etc), for example thoseoriginated by any PAM, as well as monitoring the wireless interfaces(IF-B), and the wired and/or wireless interfaces (IF-C), as well as theinterface to the “voice over internet protocol server/network” (VoIP).If an incoming SMS or HTTP message is detected as being originated by aPAM as a location update SMS or HTTP message, then the PASCM proceeds toextract the identifier of the sender of the message and its location,for example the phone number of the originator and network name- andcountry-code to which the originator is synchronised to, andconsequently updates the “location data base” for this specificallyidentified user. This approach eliminates the need for there to be aconventional HLR and hence removes the dependency on conventionalnetwork operators, who control the HLRs.

The PASCM monitors all incoming SMS and HTTP messages (and messagesusing any other format or protocol), for example those originated by anyPAM, as well as monitoring the wireless interfaces (IF-B), and the wiredand/or wireless interfaces (IF-C), as well as the interface to “voiceover internet protocol server/network” (VoIP). If an incoming SMS (etc.)is detected as being originated by a PAM as a “call set-up request” SMS,then the PASCM proceeds to extract the identifier of the sender of theSMS and the identifier of the 3^(rd) party it wishes to establish acommunication with and optionally store these in a temporary buffermemory. It then initiates an internal PASCM programmable timer, forexample the phone number of the SMS originator and the phone number ofthe 3^(rd) party it wishes to talk to, and consequently the PASCM willchoose the calls set-up route, depending on the requesting party'slocation from the PASCM “location data base” and the PASCM “servicesdatabase” corresponding to such specific “call set-up requesting party”location.

With the selected calls route(s), for example wireless interface IF-Band/or wired interface IF-C and/or voice over internet protocol VOIP,the PASCM will initiate a call to the requesting party. And it willinitiate a call to the 3^(rd) party it wishes to talk to and conferenceboth calls as one single communication between the parties. Multi-partyconference calls are also possible. If the previously mentioned timerexpires, then the requested call set-up that corresponds to thatspecific time-out will be aborted and the corresponding temporary buffercleared/reset.

The PASCM monitors all its internal routines and in particular alltemporary buffer memories with the information of all the “call set-up”requesting parties and the “3^(rd) party each of them wishes toestablish a communication with” and initiates one or two timerscorresponding to each call that the PASCM initiates between eachspecific call requesting party and the corresponding 3^(rd) party it iscommunicating to. These previously mentioned timer(s), together with theidentifier of the call requesting party, as well as the identifier of3^(rd) party it communicated with, will then be stored in a PASCMbilling data base or optionally stored in any other database, externalto the PASCM, for billing processing. Following the previous action andonce each individual call that was set-up by the PASCM is terminated, byeither the call requesting party and/or the 3^(rd) party it communicatedwith, then the PASCM will terminate those specific corresponding call(s)it had set-up and reset the timers and temporary buffers correspondingto such specific call set-up request.

Any individual or multiple PAM may be stored- into any WN, WNn, FN, FNn,MS, MSn, VoIP and VoIPn or any such other storage device(s) and/orserver(s) connected to any communications system(s), such as (but notlimited to) so called “servers”, “internet servers”, “computers”, “PCs”,“media servers”, “wireless switching exchanges”, “fixed switchingexchanges”, “wireless network processors”, “fixed network processor”,“ATM network”, “ADSL network”, “DSL network”, “internet servers”,“intranet servers”. From or through these storage devices/servers, anycurrent and/or future wireless device can download a PAM or anyevolution-, update-, upgrade-, modification of a PAM. Downloading canuse for example GPRS, WAP, JAVA.

Any individual or multiple PAM may be a part of (including an integralpart of) any wireless device (WD) and/or wireless handheld device (HS),be it as software-, firmware-, hardware- or a combination that canperform the same or an equivalent function as the PAM we have described.Any such individual or multiple PAM may be activated or deactivated bythe user of each individual WD and/or HS.

Any individual or multiple PASCM may be stored- into any WN, WNn, FN,FNn, MS, MSn, VoIP and VoIPn or any such other storage device(s) and/orserver(s) connected to any communications system(s), such as in examplebut not limited to so called “servers”, “internet servers”, “computers”,“PCs”, “media servers”, “wireless switching exchanges”, “fixed switchingexchanges”, “wireless network processors”, “fixed network processor”,“ATM network”, “ADSL network”, “DSL network”, “internet servers”,“intranet servers”. Any current and/or future communications processingdevice and in particular but not limited to any AS and MS capable ofdownloading applications using, for example, ATM, ADSL, DSL, orinternet, can download a PASCM or any evolution-, update-, upgrade-,modification- of a PACSM from such storage device or server.

One or a multiple of PASCMs is capable of receiving and detectingincoming communications/calls, by monitoring all the available externalinterfaces to the PASCM, such as but not limited to the wirelessinterface and/or wired interface and/or VoiP interface. The incomingcalls are from any 3^(rd) party requesting to communicate with any WDand/or HS with a built-in PAM; the 3^(rd) party calls the unique PASCMidentifier of such individual WD and/or HS user recognised within thePASCM. It is the PASCM that will always initiate a local call to thespecific WD and/or HS, using the information of the PASCM “location database” and the “Services data base” to re-route the calling party eitherthrough VoIP to the country where the WD and/or HS is located and thenthrough a standard PASCM call set-up as defined within this invention.

The PAM is capable of communicating with the PASCM; it is capable ofcommunicating to the PASCM a “call divert identifier activation” thatalerts the PASCM that all communications from the PASCM are to bediverted to the specific divert identifier as communicated by the PAM toPASCM; for example a divert phone number or a VoIP address or any suchother calling route identifier where the originating WD and/or HS can becontacted for any call set-up by the PASCM.

The PAM is also capable of communicating to the PASCM a “call divertidentifier de-activation”, alerting the PASCM that the PAM can becontacted for all communications, in particular the call set-uporiginated from the PASCM for call routing to the WD and/or HS (thatoriginated the information communicated to the PASCM), through itsoriginal identifier, for example its own original identifying phonenumber.

The PASCM is capable of detecting and storing, a “call divert identifieractivation” originated by a specific WD and/or HS user (with a built-inPAM), in the corresponding user location data base. The PASCM will usethe “call divert identifier activation” to divert any call set-up thePASCM originates from then on, to a specific user, as identified withinthe PASCM location data base. The PASCM re-routes any calls to thatspecific user to the location identifier that the user provided, untilsuch time that the PASCM detects and stores a “call divert identifierde-activation” originated by that same user. In that event, the PASCMupdates the location identifier of that specific user in its locationdatabase and the PASCM returns to its normal procedures/routines asdefined previously within this invention.

All the users' billing information detection and storage forms anintegral part of a PASCM. All the users' billing data processing alsoforms an integral part of the PASCM. The PASCM is capable of routing any3^(rd) party incoming call to any VoIP destination.

The LU, ICSUO1 and LCSUO2 informs the PASCM with the WD and/or HSlocation update, local call- and/or international call-set-up request,or any such other data transferred by the LU, ICSUO1 and LCSUO2 to thePASCM, by means of GPRS or WAP as an alternative to or instead of an SMSor any such other means available in any WD and/or HS with a build-inPAM which achieves the same function.

The PASCM extracts information originated by a WD and/or HS (withbuilt-in PAM), such as but not limited to location updates, callrequests, or any such other data transferred by the LU, ICSUO1 andLCSUO2 (which are sub-modules of the PAM) to the PASCM. Transfer can beby means of GPRS or WAP as an alternative to or instead of SMS or HTTPmessage, or can be any such other means available in any WD and/or HSwhich achieves the same function.

The PASCM is capable of processing its internal data taking into accountthe real time clock information corresponding to data it receives andstores from the PAM, as well as its own internal real time clockinformation. The internal real time clock can optionally be used forexample for the following: to adjust its internal PASCM counters, forexample (but not limited to) the call set-up processing timer(s), inorder to align the timer within the PAM that monitors the incoming callset-up and the timer in the PASCM that establishes the correspondingcall. This means that the call set-up timer of the PAM is set atexpiration time value “a” and the corresponding timer of the call set-upwithin the PASCM will then be adjusted and set at (“a”—(real time clockvalue of PASCM at the time the PASCM received the correspondingdata—real time clock value of such corresponding call set-up messageoriginated from the corresponding PAM)). Alternatively, any such otherPASCM timer adjustments can be used, depending on each network(s) routeand corresponding data transfer delay between the PAM data transmissionand the PASCM data reception.

The PAM is capable of communicating to the PASCM through the same methodand means as explained earlier on that the WD and/or HS (with thebuilt-in PAM) is switched on or off and where the PASCM is capable ofreceiving and detecting and storing such switch-on or switch-off stateof the PAM.

The PAM is capable of communicating with the PASCM and the wirelessnetwork, providing a standard call divert to a phone number (orequivalent identifier) controlled by the PASCM and assigned to thatspecific PAM. A “re-route identifier activation” is also provided by thePAM to the PASCM, alerting the PASCM that all incoming communicationsdetected by the PASCM from the phone number or equivalent identifiercontrolled by the PASCM and assigned to that specific PAM are to berouted through the PASCM to the corresponding PAM. Upon detection ofsuch incoming calls by the PASCM, the PASCM will first check itsinternal data base to see if a “call divert identifier activation” isset for the corresponding WD and/or HS user (with a built-in PAM) andre-route the corresponding incoming call to such divert identifier. Ifnot set, the PASCM will re-route the corresponding incoming call to thecorresponding WD and/or HS user (with a built-in PAM). Optionally, thePASCM can take into account the switch-on or switch-off state of thecorresponding PAM within the PASCM database and provide a “busy” or “notreachable” notification to the incoming user trying to communicate withthe corresponding PAM, in the event the switch-off mode is set and the“call divert identifier activation” is not set. Or it can re-route thecorresponding incoming call to the call identifier set by thecorresponding PAM within the PASCM data base when the “call divertidentifier activation” is set. Or the PASCM can re-route thecorresponding incoming call to the WD and/or HS (with the built-in PAM)when the switch-on mode is set and the “call divert identifieractivation” is not set within the PASCM data base.

Many modifications and variations of this present invention are possiblein view of the above disclosures, drawings and explanations. Thus, it isto be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, theinvention can be practiced other than as specifically described above.The invention which is intended to be protected should not, however, beconstrued as limited to the particular forms disclosed, orimplementation examples outlined, as these are to be regarded asillustrative rather than restrictive. Variations in changes could bemade by those skilled in the art without deviating from the spirit ofthe invention. Accordingly, the foregoing detailed descriptions anddrawings should be considered exemplary in nature and not limited to thescope and spirit of the invention as set forth in the claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method of enabling a wireless device,located in a region, to initiate a network connection without using anetwork operator's home location register that covers that region,comprising the steps of: (a) the wireless device using a module that isresponsible for contacting a server to communicate with the server overa wireless link, wherein the device includes the module that isimplemented as software and that is downloadable to the device; (b) thewireless device using the module to send, over the wireless link, datato the server that defines a call request; (c) in response to the callrequest, a software application running on the server deciding on theappropriate routing to a third party end-user over all availablenetworks for that call request without using the network operator's homeor visitor location register.
 2. The method of claim 1 in which theserver can receive communications from the device using any one ofseveral different protocols, and is not limited to the MAP (mobileapplication part) protocol.
 3. The method of claim 1 in which thewireless device uses SMS (Short Message Service) to communicate with theserver.
 4. The method of claim 1, in which the wireless device uses HTTP(Hypertext Transfer Protocol) over the internet to communicate with theserver.
 5. The method of claim 4 in which the user has to enter any datarequired by the server manually into the device.
 6. The method of claim1, in which the server enables the connection by conferencing the deviceand recipient into a single call.
 7. The method of claim 1, in which theserver receives and detects incoming communications/calls, by monitoringall the available external interfaces to the server.
 8. The method ofclaim 1, in which the server also acts as a media server so that thenetwork connection is not limited to a voice connection, but includesalso the transfer of any media asset, including data, video, and audiofiles, web pages and data, video and audio streaming.
 9. The method ofclaim 1, in which the server initiates a local call to the device, usingthe information on the server's location data base and services database to correctly re-route a calling party to the device.
 10. The methodof claim 1, in which the server maintains a database of location updatesprovided by the device.
 11. The method of claim 1, in which the serveralso acts as a VoIP server.
 12. The method of claim 1 in which themodule establishes and controls communication between the device and theserver.
 13. The method of claim 1 in which the module provides locationupdates to the server.
 14. The method of claim 1 in which the modulemonitors the wireless network name and country code associated with thedevice.
 15. The method of claim 14 in which the module sends a change inthe wireless network name or country code to the server.
 16. The methodof claim 1 in which the module sends real time clock data with eachmessage to the server, defining the time at which the message was sentaccording to the real time clock the module has access to.
 17. Themethod of claim 1 in which the module monitors the device for aninternational call request, incoming call signalling, and caller ID. 18.The method of claim 1 in which the module notifies the user if aconnection has been made by the server to the required recipient. 19.The method of claim 1 in which the module notifies the user if noconnection has been made and the attempt has timed-out.
 20. The methodof claim 1 in which the server decides on the lowest cost routing forthe connection.
 21. The method of preceding claim 13 wherein thelocation updates are derived from SMS (Short Message Service) or HTTP(Hypertext Transfer Protocol) location update messages provided by thedevice.
 22. The method of claim 1 wherein the server includes a softwareapplication that functions as a calls manager, the method comprising thesteps of: (a) the wireless device communicating with the server over awireless link; (b) the calls manager software extracting from a receivedmessage an identifier of a sender and a location; (c) the calls managersoftware updating a location in a location database for the sender,wherein the location database is different to the network operator'shome location register; (d) the wireless device sending, over thewireless link, data to the server that defines a call request; (e) inresponse to the call request, the calls manager software included on theserver deciding on the appropriate routing over all available networksfor that call request according to the location of the sender in thelocation database.
 23. A system comprising a wireless device located ina region and a server for enabling the wireless device to communicatewith the server to initiate a network connection without using a networkoperator's home location register that covers that region, wherein theserver includes a software application that functions as a callsmanager, wherein: (a) the wireless device is operable using a modulethat is responsible for contacting the server to communicate with theserver over a wireless link, wherein the device includes the module thatis implemented as software and that is downloadable to the device; (b)the wireless device is operable using the module to send, over thewireless link, data to the server that defines a call request; (c) inresponse to the call request, the calls manager software included on theserver is operable to decide on the appropriate routing to a third partyend-user over all available networks for that call request without usingthe network operator's home or visitor location register.
 24. A serverfor enabling a wireless device to communicate with the server toinitiate a network connection without using a network operator's homelocation register, wherein the server includes a software applicationthat functions as a calls manager, wherein: (a) the wireless device isoperable using a module that is responsible for contacting the server tocommunicate with the server over a wireless link, wherein the deviceincludes the module that is implemented as software and that isdownloadable to the device; (b) the wireless device is operable usingthe module to send, over the wireless link, data to the server thatdefines a call request; (c) in response to the call request, the callsmanager software included on the server is operable to decide on theappropriate routing to a third party end-user over all availablenetworks for that call request without using that network operator'shome or visitor location register.